We had the wonderful opportunity to chat with David about his film “Judith.” Check out the interview below.
Hi, David! Thank you for granting the interview. We’re excited to speak with you. You are currently seeking support for your film called “Judith.” Tell us what inspired the film.
Marriage! Marriage is the strangest of arrangements. Every religion and culture has rules and expectations of this peculiar institution: monogamy, polygamy, open, closed, serial etc. God weighs on the subject in many faiths. Then there are the ever-changing roles of men and women in a society. Then we have gay marriage, interracial marriage etc. But as human beings what do we expect from a marriage partner after the fevers of romance and social necessity have past?
Judith is in a troubled marriage. Her husband wants a divorce. She doesn’t understand why, so she embarks on a quest to find what men truly want. And there you have it: a woman in search of an answer.
What was the one thing you had to accomplish to tell this story?
Beyond exploring the mystery of marriage, I really wanted to explore the character of Judith. In the beginning, she was based on certain characteristics possessed by my wife, but soon she started speaking for herself, as characters will do when you’re writing a script. So the main thing I wanted to accomplish, I believe, was letting Judith express herself and grow as she to confronts some truly bizarre things.
What was biggest takeaway that has had a positive effect on your film?
The biggest take away, I feel, besides Judith discovering what men truly want from women, is the mystical truths she confronts in the world.
What do you hope to accomplish with the movie?
Artistically, to tell an interesting story and to tell it well –always the number one goal. Professionally- though it may sound crass- I want this film to move me up in the rankings. I am a competitive person. I want to win and I will win. I will do still bigger films and reach a larger and larger audience. Of this I am certain. Judith is my fourth film and by far my best.
When choosing talent, what did you look for?
At various times different actors were cast as Judith. The last had been with us for a year or so. She had helped me audition all the other characters, but she had to drop out days before the shoot. I must have auditioned a dozen women in two frantic days. Then Kelsey Tucker walked in. Half way through her audition I stopped her and said, “You’ve got the part.” I’ve never done that before. Highly unprofessional! But when good things happen, don’t fight them. And she was wonderful throughout.
What was your favorite scene?
There are many scenes I’m in love with, but the one we shot on Sauvie Island at dawn with the dancing oracle, played by Toshiko Namioko, is my favorite. It still gives me chills when I watch it.
What was the most important lesson you had to learn that has had a positive effect on your film?
John Cassevettes, one of my favorite directors, said, “We are always looking for a way to love.” That was his approach to characters. In the end, people are neither bad nor good. They are looking for a way to love each in their own way. It’s something I realized in retrospect, after we’d shot Judith. What Judith is looking for is a new way to love, just as Cassavettes said. It is a lesson of the soul.
What has been your favorite experience in making “Judith?”
Strangely enough, it was the disastrous night and morning we shot on Sauvie Island. After shooting all night in a jazz club we were driving out to the island, filming a motorcycle shot on the way. Joaquim Pujol, the DP, was shooting out of the back of his car. On the dark island road, a deer ran in front of his car. It killed the deer and literally ripped the front end off the car. Yet we continued to the location on the edge of the river and shot this beautiful scene as the sun came up. We where exhausted afterward. Driving home I actually fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into a utility truck. No one was hurt, thank God, but my car was totaled. All in all, it was a dangerous night. Yet like Judith, we prevailed and discovered something wonderful with that scene and about persevering in spite of all obstacles. But I am sorry the deer was killed.
When looking back on the movie, what resonated with you the most and why?
When Judith leaves her home to go out into the streets of Portland with 24 hours to discover what men truly want, she is one person. At the end of the film, she is another. And she has found a new way to love.
In your opinion, how could this movie make an impact on the world?
In two ways, I think. Firstly, I love that we portrayed the realistic empowerment of a female character. The film is completely about Judith. She is in every single scene. Secondly, her discovery, in the end, is not really just about what men want, but about how to live with integrity.
If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose to make this movie? Would you do anything differently?
I would certainly make this movie again. Now, what would I do differently? Well, I would pull over on the side of the freeway and take a nap rather than crash into that utility truck. But then again, that was part of the journey.
Do you have anything else you would like to share about the movie and your career?
We are in the midst of postproduction while raising more funds for completion on Indiegogo. Certainly we would appreciate folks visiting the site and helping out or spreading the word.
My next film will be Tango Lessons. Once again, the subject is marriage and, again, the characters are looking for new ways to love. Later this year I’m recording an album entitled Sweet Iago. This spring Quiet Lion Press will publish my book of short stories, Pollen. Life is good.
Social Links:
Twitter https://twitter.com/JudithTheFilm
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/judiththefilm/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/judiththefilm/
Visit the InieGoGo Campaign: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/judith–3/x/18201440#/
Featured Image Credit: Shooting in the historic Mary’s Club, Portland OR DP, Joaquim Pujol behind the camera. Mamie Wilhelm as the dancer.
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